The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kerala has sought to make a political issue out of the social media criticism faced by noted playback singer K.S. Chithra for urging believers to light lamps and offer prayer at their homes to mark the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22.
Speaking to newspersons in Thiruvananthapuram on January 16 (Tuesday), Union Minister of State For External Affairs V. Muraleedharan said the “very same forces that sought to destroy the age-old traditions at the Sabarimala temple have unleashed the hate campaign against Ms. Chithra.” Believers of the Sanatana Dharma were under siege in Kerala, he said.
Mr. Muraleedharan said the BJP was constrained to launch a massive campaign in Kerala to protect the inalienable right of believers to profess and practice their faith without fear.
